Luz Macias-Melendez works as a research coordinator under the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) - community engagement component. As a research coordinator, she works closely with the evaluation lead to provide support in assessing, developing, and enhancing program evaluation instruments. She also provides support and coordination for the expansion and implementation of community engagement evidence-based programs in the Rio Grande Valley. She also has worked as a research assistant for diabetes and hypertension prevention programs and in the mental health field conducting crisis screening and providing mental health services. As a master of social work degree intern, she led the implementation and evaluation of a suicide prevention pilot program with middle school students.